AJK Government Alleges Banned JAAC Caused Rs15 Billion Losses, Claims Foreign-Backed Links

Muzaffarabad: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of inflicting an estimated Rs15 billion in financial losses through violent protests and alleged that the organization maintained connections with anti-state elements backed by India.

According to Beyond Time News, senior government officials presented the allegations during a joint press conference, saying the group’s activities had disrupted public order, damaged state property, and placed additional pressure on the region’s limited financial resources.

Government Alleges Economic and Social Impact

Speaking alongside the AJK Police spokesperson, Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif said the banned organization’s actions had affected multiple sectors, including commerce, education, and public services.

He claimed that repeated demonstrations and violent incidents disrupted routine life across several districts, affecting businesses, students, and government institutions.

According to the government, the estimated financial losses include damage to public infrastructure, interruptions to economic activity, and increased expenditures on maintaining law and order.

The allegations have not been independently verified.

Authorities Claim Movement Changed Over Time

According to Beyond Time News, Hanif said the movement originally emerged during the early 2020s as citizens raised concerns over rising inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated that the AJK government responded by introducing subsidies on wheat flour and electricity to ease the financial burden on residents, adding that these commodities remained comparatively less expensive in AJK than in many other parts of Pakistan.

Government officials argued that what began as a public campaign later evolved into an unregistered movement with political objectives after, they alleged, anti-state elements became involved.

Allegations of Foreign Connections

During the briefing, officials claimed they possessed evidence suggesting that certain protest organizers and overseas supporters promoted anti-state narratives and coordinated activities from abroad.

Hanif alleged that some individuals linked to the movement maintained connections with India-backed elements and that foreign funding had been used to mobilize members of the overseas Kashmiri community.

According to Beyond Time News, authorities also said they had shared video material with media representatives that they claimed showed individuals associated with the organization making anti-state remarks.

The government did not publicly release detailed evidence supporting these allegations during the press conference.

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Officials Cite Previous Protest Incidents

The AJK government also referred to several protest events over the past two years while outlining its concerns.

Officials alleged that demonstrations held in 2023 included attacks on government installations in Dadyal.

They further claimed that protests in 2024 resulted in clashes with law enforcement personnel, damage to public property, and confrontations involving police officers.

According to the government, officials, including administrative officers and police personnel, were targeted during some of these incidents.

These allegations have not been independently confirmed.

Concern Over Protest Tactics

Government representatives also criticized what they described as the use of women and children during confrontations with law enforcement agencies.

Officials alleged that vulnerable individuals were placed in dangerous situations during protests, calling the practice unacceptable and urging organizers to avoid exposing civilians to potential violence.

No independent assessment of these claims was presented during the briefing.

Why This Matters

The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where authorities have intensified efforts to address security concerns while balancing public demands over economic issues.

Large-scale protests in recent years have highlighted growing public frustration over inflation and governance. At the same time, government officials maintain that maintaining public order remains essential for protecting public safety and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of services.

Any allegations involving foreign influence or anti-state activities are likely to attract close attention from both security agencies and political observers. However, such claims require independent verification and, where appropriate, judicial examination.

Conclusion

The AJK government has accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee of causing substantial financial losses, disrupting public life, and maintaining links with India-backed anti-state elements. Officials say investigations are continuing and that evidence has been gathered to support the allegations. The claims, however, have not been independently verified, and no judicial findings have been announced regarding the accusations at this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the AJK government accused JAAC?

The government alleges that the banned organization caused financial losses, disrupted public order, and engaged in activities that threatened state institutions.

How much financial loss does the government claim JAAC caused?

Officials estimate that the group’s activities resulted in approximately Rs15 billion in economic losses to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

What allegations has the government made about foreign involvement?

Authorities claim that some organizers and overseas supporters maintained links with India-backed anti-state elements and received foreign support. These allegations have not been independently verified.

What impact did the protests reportedly have?

According to government officials, the protests disrupted businesses, education, transportation, and public services while causing damage to public infrastructure.

Has independent evidence been presented?

Government officials say they possess evidence supporting their claims, but the allegations have not been independently verified or confirmed through judicial proceedings.

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